Pregnancy Discrimination in Florida: Know Your Workplace Rights

Learn what protections the law gives pregnant workers and what to do if your employer refuses to accommodate you.

If you’re pregnant or just returned to work after giving birth, you have rights. Unfortunately, many workers across Florida still face pregnancy discrimination when asking for simple help like lifting restrictions, breaks, or time to pump.

Know Your Rights

Federal and Florida employment laws provide rights and protections related to pregnancy:

1. Protection from Discrimination: Under both federal and Florida employment law, it’s illegal for employers to treat you differently because you’re pregnant, recovering from childbirth, or have a related medical condition.

2. Right to Pump at Work:  You have the right to pump at work with break time and a private space (NOT a bathroom)

3. Right to Reasonable Accommodations: You have the right to ask for reasonable accommodations such as telework or light duty because you are pregnant or recovering from childbirth

   
   

Reasonable accommodations for pregnancy may include:

• Telework/work-from-home options or other schedule changes

• Light duty or help with lifting

• Additional breaks to eat, rest, or use the restroom

• A stool or seat for jobs that require long standing

• Leave for prenatal appointments or recovery

• A private, non-bathroom space and reasonable break time to pump

  
  

Watch for Signs of Pregnancy Discrimination or Retaliation

• Your employer refuses reasonable accommodations

• You’re told to take unpaid leave when you could keep working with modifications

• You’re assigned unsafe or physically demanding tasks after disclosing pregnancy

• You’re denied pumping breaks or private space to express milk

• You start receiving write-ups, demotions, or schedule cuts after requesting accommodations

Subtle retaliation counts. If your treatment changes after speaking up, start tracking what’s happening.

What to Do If Your Employer Refuses to Cooperate

1. Ask in writing. Briefly describe what you need (for example, “I’m requesting light duty or lifting restrictions due to pregnancy”).

2. Document everything. Keep a record of all communications, changes in hours, or performance issues that arise after your request.

3. Stay professional and follow up. If you’re denied, ask for written reasoning and propose alternatives.

4. Contact a Florida pregnancy discrimination lawyer quickly—deadlines for filing claims and taking legal action can be short.

   
   

We Protect Pregnant Workers Across Florida

At Squires Legal Group, PLLC, our Florida employment law attorneys advocate for workers facing pregnancy discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination. We help employees across Florida assert their rights under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, the Florida Civil Rights Act, and other employment laws.

If you’ve been denied accommodations or punished for requesting them, contact us for a confidential, free consultation. We’ll explain your options and help protect your job, your income, and your peace of mind.

📞 Call (813) 922- 2803 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.